England overcame lowly ranked Azerbaijan 4-1 to finish in second place in the group and ensure automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in Argentina.
Stand-in keeper in the last match, Sally Walton, gave the England defence a wake up call when she passed the ball to Azerbaijan early in the game. But England soon moved forward and Susie Gilbert had a shot from the top of the circle which went just wide.
England won their first penalty corner after seven minutes but the ensuing shot was wide. They continued to press with the Azerbaijan goalkeeper having to make a save before Chloe Rogers stole the ball from the Azerbaijan defence and drove into the circle and shot across the goalkeeper to open the scoring. 1-0 to England.
Azerbaijan immediately attacked and penetrated the England circle but the defence stood firm and cleared the ball. Mid-way through the first half Becky Duggan was called on to make her first save when Azerbaijan were awarded a penalty corner.
With ten minutes to go Natalie Seymour drove in a good cross from the right and Rebecca Herbert's shot was hit past the goalkeeper by Alex Danson to make the score 2-0.
Azerbaijan continued to press, however, and with five minutes on the clock England's defence failed to clear and goalkeeper Duggan had no chance when Mi Kyung Aliyeva put the ball in the back of the net. 2-1 at half time.
Three minutes into the second half and England forged ahead again with a goal from Susie Gilbert. And when the Azerbaijan goal scorer was yellow carded with 16 minutes remaining Gilbert struck again. Ten minutes from time England were awarded only their third penalty corner. Walsh's shot was saved and a free hit awarded to Azerbaijan. In a bizarre interpretation of the rules, with the ball still rolling when hit, England were awarded another penalty corner. However, the keeper made a fine save and was cheered by the very sparse crowd.
England continued to press until the end and were awarded another penalty corner but their feinting at the top of the circle not only confused the defence but themselves as well! 4-1 the final score and England safely through to meet Germany in the cross over match to decide who will make it through to the final, whilst the Netherlands will play Spain in the other match.
Update: Beth Storry is doing fine, recovering slowly from her dislocated shoulder and having a little trouble sleeping, but is still a very important part of the squad though she will not be taking any further part in this competition.
